Barrenetxea's 91st-Minute Goal Gives Real Sociedad 3-2 Win at Valencia

Ander Barrenetxea scored in the 91st minute at Mestalla to give Real Sociedad a 3-2 win over Valencia in La Liga's seventh round, and Valencia stay in the relegation places going into the international break.

Real Sociedad took the lead through Luka Sučić, who found the top corner with a left-footed shot on 26 minutes. Valencia, under interim coach Óscar Sánchez while they wait for Javier Aguirre, improved after the interval. Otorbi came on for Ugrinic, and Aaron Mayol levelled on 57 minutes with a fine finish.

Carlos Soler put Real Sociedad back in front from the penalty spot on 75 minutes, after a foul by Javi Guerra. Soler, a former Valencia player, had been given an ovation by the home crowd in the warm-up. Luken Beitia turned the ball into his own net on 84 minutes to make it 2-2, the result of a misunderstanding with Aramburu when Aimar ran past him.

Barrenetxea, a left winger who has scored 21 times for the club since joining in 2020, settled it with a right-footed shot. Orri Steinn Óskarsson was sent off in the 96th minute for a second yellow card, for protesting. Before that, on 94 minutes, Remiro made a save from Aimar Blázquez to keep the points.

Valencia had 45,122 in the ground. Justin de Haas and José Gayà were booked in the opening 12 minutes.

Real Sociedad manager Matarazzo made seven changes from the side that played on Thursday. Gorrotxategi made his first start of the season and Sergio Gómez played his 100th match for the club. Jon Martín kept his place at centre-back; Zubeldia had been ruled out earlier this month with a hamstring problem.

If Valencia's new coach cannot tighten up the closing minutes, this may be the kind of defeat that shapes their break more than a draw would have.